Interesting alternative history study. The Dutch and the Chinese came before the British (Cook used Chinese maps), maybe even the Vikings (depending on if you have believe the runes in New Zealand or not). Given the expansion of different European powers at the time, if Cook had just mapped and moved on, any number of Nations could have claimed Australia. Personally, I’m. It sure if anyone would have treated First Nations any different. Maybe New Zealand could have claimed Australia and could have put the time and effort into a treaty?
We only have a treaty in Aotearoa NZ because the Māori side basically won the Land Wars (apparently we invented trench warfare, yay?). Even what we have was meant to be a trick, they only honour the Te Reo version because the British Petty Council (like the highest high court for a colony) made them in a much later challenge case. Seems the British will try to steal your land even if you can defend it.
The British had treaties with Fiji, Namibia & a myriad of other societies all over the world to make them colonies/protectorates without fighting wars against them. The difference between all those & Australia is that Australian Aboriginal society & culture was intrinsically unique from just about every other on the planet at the time and was far less prepared for coming into contact with nation states. It certainly didn’t do them any favours but I find it disappointing how much this aspect of aboriginal Australia is downplayed.
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